- Enjoy a reduced price of only $7.99 on the Medic Therapeutics Set of 10 Breathable Face Masks (002-722) when you purchase this item (Regular price $11.50. Online purchases only). To take advantage, click 'Add to Cart'.
- Enjoy a reduced price of only $7.99 on the Medic Therapeutics Set of 10 Breathable Face Masks (002-722) when you purchase this item (Regular price $11.50. Online purchases only). To take advantage, click 'Add to Cart'.
Fabulous floral studs to complement your looks! Each sterling silver earring in this pair features a mother-of-pearl that's carved into a flower design. Blue topaz gemstones decorate the center of the flower for an eye-catching and charming aesthetic. Bring the hope, wonder and promise of spring to your outfit all-year-round with these darling earrings!
Earring Details
- Metal: Rhodium over sterling silver
- Stone Information:
- Mother-of-Pearl: Two petal carved 16mm
- Blue Topaz: 12 round cut 2.5mm
- Setting Type: Wire and prong
- Approximate Total Weight:
- Blue Topaz: 1.04ct
- Measurements: 9/16"L x 1/2"W
- Backing: Butterfly
- Collection: Kwan Collections
- Country of Origin: China
All weights pertaining to gemstones, including diamonds, are minimum weights. Additionally, please note that many gemstones are treated to enhance their beauty. View Gemstone Enhancements and Special Care Requirements for important information.
Sterling silver, also called fine silver, is a beautifully lustrous cool-toned precious metal favored in fine jewelry among other products. The most reflective of all metals (excluding mercury), sterling silver looks stunning by itself and brings out the best hues in an array of colorful gemstones.
Sterling silver can be polished to a higher sheen than platinum. In fact, Ag, the chemical symbol for silver, comes from a word that means “white and shining.” The surface of silver can boast that shiny, polished appearance, or can be brushed, satin, matte, sandblasted, antiqued or oxidized (chemically blackened).
In order to be called sterling silver, a metal must be made up of a minimum of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% alloy (meaning other metals), including but not limited to copper and nickel. The alloy is added to pure silver to make the metal more durable, tougher and harder. Sterling silver is designated a fineness of “925.” Pieces with sterling silver may be marked “sterling.”
Finishes on Sterling Silver
Finishing, or plating, is a common treatment with sterling silver. Popular types of plating are rhodium plating, gold plating and anti-tarnish plating. Plating is used to extend the life and sheen of the jewelry. After sizing or buffing a piece of jewelry with a machine, it must be re-plated to restore the finish.
Caring for Sterling Silver
Sterling silver becomes tarnished as the result of a natural chemical process that occurs when sterling silver is exposed to chemicals in the air, rubber, wool and latex. Humidity also plays a role in accelerating tarnishing. It's easy to keep your sterling silver sparkling, though, by taking a few steps to prevent tarnish and other wear and tear.
Mother-of-Pearl
Mother-of-pearl is found on the shells of mollusks, such as mussels and oysters, and the shells of pseudopods, such as snails. When the young of these creatures come into the world, they create a shell "house" in order to preserve their existence. The walls of this housing are formed with layers of their secretions, ensuring a simultaneous growth of house and creature together.
Depending on the type of animal and the environment in which it lives, secretions create various shapes and colors found on the different types of mother-of-pearl. White mother-of-pearl comes from pearl-bearing oysters. It features high reflective properties and is one of the most commonly used types of this material. Iridescent mother-of-pearl is a type in which the colors of pink and green are predominant, while variegated mother-of-pearl is a multicolored type. Stone mother-of-pearl is white with a low reflective power, while mat mother-of-pearl is dull grey and also has a low reflective power.
The shiny quality of mother-of-pearl has attracted attention for thousands of years. The Louvre Museum features mother-of-pearl objects that belonged to the Sumerians and were found in Mesopotamia. In China, a dish with geometric-shaped pieces of mother-of-pearl was found that belonged to the Tang Dynasty in 618-906 A.D. Mother-of-pearl work was also common in ancient Italy, Greece and Cyprus. Today, different types of mother-of-pearl are commonly used in the art world. This type of art is certainly a challenge, for in order for them to be made into works of art, the mother-of-pearl pieces must be thick enough to withstand being worked upon and be of high enough quality to beautifully reflect colors of the rainbow.
Earring Back Types
The backing is an important part of an earring, providing a secure closure and comfortable fit. Keep in mind, some earring styles work better with certain back types. Experiment with the different types to find the best fit for you!
Butterfly Back: A double looped piece resembling a butterfly that fits over a post. Variations on this design are called push back clasps. The basic post and butterfly back are usually used for stud earrings and lighter weight drop earrings.
Hinged Snap Backs: This clasp features a hinged post that snaps into a groove on the back of the earring. It is commonly found on hoops. Sometimes the hinged post is curved to provide more room to fit around the ear, sometimes called a saddleback.
Hook Backs: This earring backing is simply a long, bent post that fits through the piercing. Hooks have several variations, most notably the shepherd's hook and the French hook. While thin wire hooks reduce the weight of long earrings, making them more comfortable, they aren't as secure as other clasp styles.
Lever Back: A hinged lever snaps shut against the curved post to form a closed loop around the ear lobe. This clasp is very secure and good for large or medium sized styles that drop just below the ear.
Omega: Also called French clips, this clasp has a straight post and a looped lever. The hinged lever closes around the post and is held against the ear with pressure. The omega clasp is the most secure clasp, especially for the larger, heavier earrings.
Screw back: This backing is a slight variation of the standard post and butterfly nut back. Instead of pushing on the back, the nut twists onto the threaded post. A screw back post design is often preferred for expensive diamond stud earrings that require increased security.
Kwan Collections
Join Kwan Collections Jewelry as they travel the world to bring you the finest gems to feature in the contemporary- Asian inspired collection. Prominently featuring jade and pearls and many other gems that are found amidst their world travels, the Mother and Son team share a passion for finding the latest gems, fine- design, and family traditions and folklore.
Utilizing over 40 years of history in pearls and jade, Kwan Collections Seamlessly infuses Chinese history and symbolism with modern, up-scale looks that can be worn for any occasion. Look for artistic carvings, unexpected gem combinations, and a stunning assortment of pearls brought to you straight from the source!
The Kwan Collection looks at pearls differently. While the size and shape are very important characteristics, the Kwan’s believe in placing higher values on character specific traits such as the luster and color first. This philosophy brings a unique perspective where each pearl is prized as we believe that each gem is an individual gift from nature.
The Kwan Collection’s Tahitian and South Sea pearls are sourced from the most sustainable and most influential pearls farms in the world and we guarantee they are free from any color or luster enhancements. In-fact to insure the South Sea and Tahitian pearls are never treated, they are brought directly to the farms to the US where the Kwan’s design, create and set them.
With over 40 years in the business, the Kwan Collection delivers a piece of jewelry that has been created with meticulous attention to detail and one of a kind craftsmanship, yet made for everyday wear ability. Kwan Collections Jewelry brings the finest pearls and gems with an emphasis on its color, luster, and shape.
Come share our history, traditions, inspirations and love of a great story!
About the Expert
Nick Kwan, son of popular jewelry designer and guest Roz Kwan, is your guide and concierge for your trip with Kwan Collections. Nick grew up in the family jewelry business and despite his youth, has a wealth of jewelry sourcing, design, and manufacturing experience. He is an entrepreneur by nature and has earned his expertise in the business through hard work and diligence. Nick frequently travels to Hong Kong, South East Asia, and Tahiti to source beautiful pearls, gemstones and diamonds for Far East Market. Born and raised in Seattle, WA, Nick has a B.A. in business from St. Mary's University in Moraga, CA.
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